Aulani Excursion - Help!

[ticofan]

We have a trip booked to Aulani this summer. Mom (me) plus three kids. I was looking at the excursions for something extra and fun to do with my kids. We almost never use paid tours. We usually like to explore on our own, but I have heard good things about Disney tours.

But....I looked at a couple of the hiking tours, surfing, and horseback riding tours. They were more than twice the price of going with another company on the islands. Is it worth it??

I think surfing was $170ist versus $90ish. Hiking was $120 to $48. With four of us I would be paying almost $200-400 more per daily activity. Then I think, I can drive and do the hiking, museum, beach on my own???

Are the Disney Adventures Tours so fabulous that it is worth killing my budget??? Do I need to try one at least once??

 

[Tigger031266]

I would say no. You can have a great time doing things without fancy tours. When we were there last January are best part of the trip where self tours.

We enjoyed Diamondhead, driving to the North Shore beaches, hiking various parks, pearl harbor, going to wikiki beach all for free. I think you need to rent a car though which is about $500 per week. Favorites were North Shore and diamond head.

Don't spend more than u are comfortable with.

 

[jdubs808]

The best thing would be to rent a car and book these types of excursions on your own. You will have more flexibility and able to visit more attractions. Have a great time!

 

[ticofan]

That is definitely what we have always done. It is just that the Disney touch sounds exciting. But then the budget....

Thank you for your input.

 

[DVCismyhappyplace]

Honestly, after 4 trips to Oahu, I would advise you against doing a tour. You will save so much money and have a better time exploring on your own. We always rent a car on Oahu (even though plenty of people will tell you that you don't need to). This gives us the freedom to explore on our own.

Things like Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, exploring the North Shore and snorkeling in Hanauma Bay are either free or very low cost. Trust me, you'll want the time to explore on your own rather than at the pace of a tour group.